CHICAGO — The weather outside was cold and snowy, but inside McCormick Place at the 2003 Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo), contractors were interested in what manufacturers were offering in the way of new residential/light commercial air conditioners.

A variety of new split systems were introduced and some manufacturers made enhancements to their existing product lines.

Contractors seemed impressed; the crowds they formed around the new products made it difficult to see what was even being offered. Manufacturers noted that interest was high and the questions were definitely flying between exhibitors and attendees.

Nordyne introduced the Maytag M1010 Series ultra-high-efficiency air conditioner, which uses R-410A and is rated at 16 SEER.

Drum Roll, Please…

Nordyne(O’Fallon, Mo.) introduced a new high-efficiency air conditioner, as well as a significant enhancement for its Philco, Kelvinator, and Gibson split system air conditioners.

The new air conditioner is the Maytag M1010 Series ultra-high-efficiency air conditioner, which uses R-410A and is rated at 16 SEER. Nordyne plans to begin production of the new Maytag units in the second quarter of 2003. The units will be offered in 3-, 4-, and 5-ton sizes.

In order to achieve the 16 SEER rating, Nordyne is using a two-stage Copeland scroll compressor, along with new evaporator coils with a thermostatic expansion valve (TXV).

Nordyne plans to equip these units with Copeland’s “Comfort Alert” module, which helps diagnose electrical problems and system-related faults and communicates them via an LED indicator to the service technician, the company said.

Nordyne’s other big announcement involved is new encasing, called “Steel Guard,” for its Philco, Kelvinator, and Gibson split system air conditioners and heat pumps. The new encasing is designed to protect the units from debris, while providing sufficient airflow for operational efficiency. Steel Guard is available on 10, 12, and 13-plus SEER units.

“By adding a protective covering, we are responding to the needs of builders and homeowners who are looking for high-quality, long-lasting equipment,” said Dennis Kloster, vice president of marketing and sales, residential and light commercial, Nordyne.

Fedders (Longview, Texas) introduced its new high-efficiency remote condensing units. The C10 Series has a SEER of 10, while the C12 Series has a SEER rating of 12. Both units offer cooling capacities ranging from 1-1/2 to 5 tons.

The new units feature quiet top air discharge and a C-90 galvanized steel exterior cabinet with 1,000-hour salt spray powder-coated finish.

According to the company, other features include long-life copper tube/aluminum fin refrigerant coils, state-of-the-art compressors, and a powder-coated fan guard and full metal louvered coil guard for hail protection.

Fedders noted its C10 and C12 Series have large wraparound coil surfaces, a control box located for easy access to electrical controls, and a factory-installed liquid line filter-drier.

Heat Controller's new Energy Knight air conditioners will be available under the brand names of Comfort-Aire and Century.

Centralized Comfort

A new 12-SEER central air conditioning system was introduced byHeat Controller Inc.(Jackson, Mich.). LeeAnne Perkins, national advertising manager, Heat Controller Inc., said the new Energy Knight air conditioners will be available under the brand names of Comfort-Aire and Century.

The units are available in sizes ranging from 11¼2 to 5 tons and feature efficient scroll compressors and full metal louvered coil protection. In addition, the company said its units are very quiet and the galvanized steel cabinets have a corrosion-resistant powder painted finish.

Heat Controller provides the units with a factory-installed filter-drier, as well as service valves and an electrical box located for easy access and service. Multi-position indoor coils feature rust-free nylon drain pans and can accommodate any upflow, downflow, or horizontal installation.

Thermo Products LLC (North Judson, Ind.) exhibited its recently introduced Thermo Pride “Premiere Series” high-efficiency air conditioning system. Thermo Pride said its Premiere Series condensing units offer 15 SEER efficiency with ultra-quiet operation. The Premiere unit’s microchannel condenser coils require less refrigerant while providing greater efficiency through increased heat transfer surface per volume of refrigerant, the company said.

The unit utilizes a Copeland scroll compressor that is totally enclosed in a blanket of heavy insulation. A low-speed, three-blade fan tops the unit assembly to further ensure quiet operation. The company said the compact condenser cabinet is constructed of a resilient high-impact material that is UV resistant.

Texas Furnace LLC displays its Meridian high-efficiency 10 and 12 SEER air conditioning system at the show.
Texas Furnace LLC(Houston) exhibited a broad range of products. The newest equipment displayed was the Meridian high-efficiency 10- and 12-SEER air conditioning system.

These new systems come with a totally enclosed fan motor with a one-piece injection molded top cap. Francis Franck, vice president of sales, Texas Furnace LLC, said the units are extremely quiet. “Initial comparative sound testing shows the Meridian air conditioners to be quieter in operation than competitive models with just the condenser fan (not the compressor) operational,” noted Franck.

The units also feature a heavy steel discharge grille, a two-pole contactor, and high quality brass service valves. A rugged scroll compressor is available in both the 10- and 12-SEER models in all sizes, excluding the 1-1/2 ton model. The micro design coil uses rifled copper tubing with enhanced aluminum fins for greater efficiency, and the units come standard with a liquid line filter-drier.

Goodman Manufacturing (Houston) showcased its new high-efficiency 13-SEER CLT and 14-SEER CLQ air conditioners. These units feature a sound-absorbing compressor blanket, four-blade fan assembly, eight-pole fan motor, and two-piece wire discharge grille for quiet operation. These high-efficiency units are Energy Star products and have a 10-year limited warranty for functional parts and the compressor for all single-phase, residential units up to 5 tons.

Goodman’s new Light Commercial Air Conditioning System was also displayed, and the company said it is the ideal solution for ground or rooftop applications requiring superior durability and value. When matched with AR090 and AR120 air handlers, the new commercial system meets the latest requirements of ASHRAE Standard 90.1, stated the company. This fully louvered design includes the following design features:

  • Single scroll compressor with crankcase heater;

  • High- and low-pressure switches;

  • Large capacity liquid line filter-drier;

  • Brass suction ball valve and liquid shutoff valve for sweat connections;

  • Copper tube, aluminum finned coil construction;

  • Permanently lubricated condenser motor; and

  • Bottom pan rails elevating unit above slab.

    Publication date: 02/17/2003